Rotary engine.



No. 705,372. Patented Aug. 5, |902.

w. ALsoP.

Bonny Eurams.

(Application lled June 17, 1901.)

3 Shees--Sheet I.

(Nu Model.)

NRI s N I' j m b w S No. maan. Patented-Aug. 5, |902.

w. ALsoP.

ROTARY ENGINE. (Appliation led June 17, 1901.),

3 Sheets-Sheet 2.4

(No Model.)

No. 706,372. Patented Aug. 5, |902.

W. ALSUP.

ROTARY ENGINE. (Application filed June 17, 1901.) (No Model.) 3 Shaets-Sheat 3.

l .-.llnl

NTTE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'WILLIAM ALSoP, or NEWCASTLE, NEAR SYDNEY, NEwsoUTI-I WALES,

AUSTRALIA.

ROTARY ENGINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 706,372, dated August 5, 1902.

Application filed June 17, 1901. Serial No. 64.940- (No model.)

type for steam, gas, air, and other expansive fiuid pressure. In these rotary engines a casing, preferably cylindrical, incloses one 'or more disks or hubs attached to a shaft free to revolve in suitable bearings. The disks are not rigidly ixed to the shaft, but are allowed sufficient movement about the shaft to' attain their own center of gyration when running at high speeds, and so secure perfect balance without slip in the direction or at any angle to the true plane of rotation. On the disk or disks are a number of double curved vanes parallel to the axis of rotation and having a cross-section approximating to that of a cone with curved sides, of which the axis is radial to the center of the disk. Both sides of the vanes have similar curved surfaces, and they are also perforated with a number of holes `from side to side. At suitable positions in the casing are one or more orifices through which steam, Src., at the'initial pressure is directed to impinge on one of the curved surfaces of each vane as the disk-rotates. As the velocity of the enteringsteam or gas is always much greater than that of the vanes, a certain portion of it will pass through the holes in the vane nearest to the jet and impinge on the next vane, the perforations in alternate vanes being spaced so that the perforations in one vane are opposite the spaces between the perforations in the next vane. These perfor-ations prevent the steam rebounding from the vanes and reacting on the jet or on the vane next following that on which the jet is acting direct. After the steam or gas from the initial directing-orifice has acted on the vanes through the arc of a circle it passes tangentially from them through an opening in the casing into a receiver opening to the atmosphere or to a condenser. In compound engines there are one or more steam-receivers with curved sides, theflrst of which guides the used steam to another directing-orifice, so that it will again impinge on the vanes and act on them through the arc of a circle, from which it either eX- hausts into the atmosphere, or into a condenser, or into a second receiver, and then through another orifice again onto the vanes. The casing is built with receivers and orifices in number proportionate to the initial pressure of the steam or gas used, so as to allow of its complete expansion down to the pressure of the atmosphere or that of the condenser. When the engine is required to be a reversibleone, one or more additional initial oppositely-directing orifices are placed in the casio g with one or more exhaust-passages, receivers, and intermediate or low-pressure i directing-orifices. The start-ing, stopping, or

reversing of the engine is controlled by one Valve. For starting the engine under a load the starting-valve is moved to a certain position, allowing high-pressure steam to pass through the intermediate and low-pressure directing-orifices, Whichever way the engine is required to run, and then after the start the valve is returned, may be automatically, to its controlling position. When it is necessary for theengine to run at a constant speed, the supply of the steam is controlled by agovernor, which acts on a throttle-valve, or preferably on an arrangement for reducing the area of the initial directing-orifices. Any desired speed-reducing gear can be applied to this engine, as required; butin order that this invention may be clearly understood reference will now be made to the drawings herewith, in which- Figure l is au elevation of a compound reversible steam, &c., engine constructed according to this invention, while Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the same on line 2 2 of Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a vertical section on line 3 3 of Fig. 4, While Fig. 4 is a similar section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 43, respectively, of a triple-impulse reversible engine constructed acc0rd ing to this invention. Fig. 5 is a similar view to Fig. 4 of a quadruple-impulse non -reversible engine constructed according to this ICO .waste or condenser.

invention. Fig. 6 is a plan of the starting slide-valve, showing in dotted lines the engine-ports as used for the engine illustrated in Figs. l and 2. Fig. 7 is a similar View of the starting slide-valve used in the engine 'shown in Figs. 3 and .4, and Fig. 8 is a view of the starting slide-valve as used in the engine shown in Fig. 5.

The casing A is turned or shaped out, and it has a solid back A and a cover A2 fixed to it by studs and nuts A3. It has a fiat face A4, preferably at the top, having fianges A5, to which are bolted and studded the port-faces B and the cover B, through which is the supplyport B2, to which an ordinary steam or fiuid pressure supply pipe is fixed by iianges and bolts B3 or otherwise. Within this casing are various ports for the supply and exhaust of the steam. The initial supply-ports are marked C. The first directingorifice on the go-ahead side is marked D. A port or passage E leads the somewhat-spent steam to the second directing-orifice F, while G is the exhaust-receiver, and G a pipe to The first directing-orifice on the reverse or go-astern side is marked H. The port or passage J leads the somewhat-spent steam to the second directing-orifice K.

The main shaft L has at either side bearings L', and it passes through glands or dustboXes L2 at either side of the casing A. This shaft L carries or supports the disk M by reason of the squared boss L5 passingthrough and fitting one size of an oblong orifice, in which is india-rubber or other resilient packing L4 at two opposite ends. This oblong orifice is through a box L5, which in turn passes through and fits one size of another oblong orice, while the other ends have similar resilient packing L6 opposite relatively to the ends of the inner oblong orifice which contains the packing L4. The boss L3 and the oblong box L5, together with the resilient packings L4 and L5, are all kept in place by the disks L7 and M7, fastened to the disk M. By this means as the disk is revolved there is su icient rigidity to keep it stiffly upon the shaft, while at the same time sufficient resiliency is allowed to obtain a perfectly-balanced position and to revolve the shaft with ease. The disk M has fianges M, between which are the vanes N, as shown, these vanes having perforations N also, as shown, in such a way that the perforations of two contiguous vanes are not in juxtaposition.

With the main parts as before described there are of course auxiliaries which are novel in their combinations. There are starting, stopping, and reversing mechanisms, there are valves for connection -with governing l mechanisms for regulating the speed of t'he "rodete contracting or enlarging the directing-orifices.

At the end of the ports or passages in the casing which lead from one part of the cylinder to another to convey the partially-spent steam in order that it may be utilized again there are regulating-gatesf. These consist of resilient material screwed at one end j" to the interior facing of the port or passage and having at the other end one or more setscrews f2, adapted to push or press the resilient material into the passage or orifice, and so contract it, and adapted on their unscrewing to allow the resilient material to recover the normal position and enlarge such passage or orifice. l

At the initial directing-orifices D and H are valves c, adapted to take on and partially close the entrance. These valves are on spindle o and are actuated by radius-bars c2,

jointed by connecting-rods c2 to a cross-head c4 on spindle c5, which is connected up in any approved manner wilh a governor or other speed-regulating device, so that on the speed of the engine exceeding the desired point the Valves c will be moved toward the orifices D and H and reduce their area and consequently the amount of steam fiowing therethrough and also the amount of steam impinging against the vanes of the driving-disks.

`Referring to Figs. l, 2, and 6, O is a slidevalve with ports O' on a rod O2, passing through stuffing-box O3 and knuckle-jointed at O4 to starting-handle P, jointed to bracket P from the casing. This hand-lever works on sector P2 and has spring-notch to gear therewith in the go-ahead, stop, and go-astern positions, as well understood. This lever P is extended beyond its joint-pin by radius-bar P2, to which is connected the rod Q, jointed io lever Q' on fulcrum-pin Q2, and the other end of which actuates sliding bar or rod Q3, connected to radius-rods Q4 on the spindle of throttle-valves Q5. In operation steam, dac., is turned into orifice B2 and the handle P thrown over, so that one of the ports O is in juxtaposition with port C. Steam thereupon finds its way through one or other of the orifices D or H, as shown in the drawings through orifice D, impin'ging against the vanes N of the disk M. The impact starts the disk M, and thereby revolves the shaft L. As the steam collects in passage E it again forms a jet which is directed through orifice F, impinging again on the vanes and assisting in the revolution of the disk and shaft. Reaching the chamber G it passes through the open passage G through to the atmosphere or to a condenser. To reverse the engine, the handle P is thrown over to the opposite notch in the sector P2, and the port O' is thus placed in juxtaposition with the port C, causing the jet to find its way in through orifice H and im-pinge on the other sides of the vanes. The partiallyspent steam collects in chamber J and forms IOO IIO

another jet onto the vanes in orifice K, and thence finds its Way to receiver G and through the passage-pipe G to the atmosphere or a condenser. It will be seen that as the valve is reversed so are the throttle-valves Q5.

Referring to Figs. 3, 4, and 7, the steam in the go-ahead position of the gear after pass-l ing through passages E and J and orifices F and K, respectively,collects itself in passages R and T and forms a third jet through orifices S and U, respectively, so enabling triple impulse to be effected by the one supply of steam. In addition to the passages described with reference to the Figs. 1, 2, and 6 auxiliary ports C are provided, having offsets C2 into passa-ges E and .l and offsets C3 into passages R and T in order that live steam at the initial pressure may be used to give the first movement to the disks, as might be required Where the engine carries a heavy load. The steam, duc., is supplied to these ports C through additional ports O5 in the valve, which ports, as shown in the drawings, may be placed in juxtaposition with the ports C'. In this case the handle P is adapted to be thrown over farther than is required in the normal acting or operating position, and it is thrown over by the attendant against the action of a spring PX, Whose resiliency recovers the handle to its notch and the valve to the normal operating position. The operation of this engine is identical with that previously described, except in so far as the initial impulse of live steam obtained by the auxiliary ports or passages and the throwing over of the lever for such purposes and in having triple impulse instead of but one impulse.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 8, the ports are principally the same as those described in the previous paragraphs, with the exception that there are no reverse ports, although there are the auxiliary initial impulse-ports and further or quadruple impulse-passage V with directing-orifices W, andthat from the exhaustreceiver there is one exit-pipe Y.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is- 1. In rotary engines of the class set forth the combination with a driving-diskin a casing, of duplicate initial directing-orifices and duplicate sets of ports and passages with further directing-orifices and with controlling devices so that the direction of travel of the disk may be reversed, substantially as herein described and explained.

2. In rotary engines of the class set forth, the combination with the steam-ports directing-orifices and controlling devices, of additional or auxiliary ports or passages from the initial steam-supply to one or more of further directing-orifices for starting the disk to revolve, substantially as herein described and explained.

3. In a rotary engine, the combination with a driving-disk, of a series of vanes arranged in suitable relation thereto and each provided with an opening, the opening of each alternate vane arranged out of aliuement with the opening of the adjacent vane.

4. In a rotary engine, the combination with a driving-disk, ofa series of radially-extendin g vanes formed integral with the disk and each provided with a transversely-extending opening, the opening of one vane being out of aliuement with the opening of the adjacent vane.

5. In a rotary engine of the class set forth, a main shaft,bearings therefor,a disk for driving said shaft, resilient packing mounted in oblong orifices for connecting the shaft to the disk, and a series of vanes arranged in suitable relation to said disk and each provided with an opening, the opening of each alternate vane arranged out of alinement with the opening of the adjacent vane.

6. In a rotary engine of the class set forth, a main shaft provided with a squared boss, a driving-disk having an oblong orifice, a box mounted therein, resilient packing interposed between said box and said shaft, resilient packing interposed between said box and disk, a series of vanes carried by the disk, each provided with a transversely-extending opening, and means for directing a motive fiuid to act on and exhaust from said vanes directly and tan gentially in the plane of their rotation.

7. In a rotary engine of the class set forth, the combination with a casing and a drivingdisk mounted therein, of an initial directingorifice for the motive fluid to impact with the disk, for imparting movement thereto, a redirecting-orifice for collecting the spent motive fluid to use the same for further impacting with the disk, a passage for establishing communication between the said redirectingorifice and the disk, and means for regulating the passage of the motive fluid from the redirecting-orifice to the disk.

8. In a rotary engine of the class set forth, the combination with a casing and drivingdisk mounted therein, of a series of vanes formed integral with the disk and each provided With a transversely-extending opening, the opening of one vane being out ot' alinement with the opening of the adjacent vane, an initial directing-orifice for the motive iiuid to impact with the said vanes for imparting motion thereto, and means arranged in said casing for collecting the spent motive iiuid after its impact with the vanes and then further directing said spent motive iiuid against said vanes for causing an additional impulse thereof.

9. In a rotary engine, a drive-disk provided with perforated vanes suitably extending therefrom, the perforation of each alternate vane being out of aliuement with the perfo- :ration of the adjacent vane, means for initially directing the motive Huid to impact IOO IIO

IZO

with the said vanes for imparting movementv to the disk, and means for collecting the spent motive fluid after its impact with the vanes and for further directing said spent motive fluid against the vanes for causing an additional impulse to the disk.

ing said spent motive fluid against the vanesv for causing an additional impulse to the disk, means for regulating the passage of the motive fluid from said collecting means to the vanes, and means for reversing the movement of said disk.

1l. In a rotary engine of the class set forth, the combination with a casing and drivingdisk mounted therein, of an initial directingorifice'for the motive fluid to impact with the said disk for imparting motion thereto, means arranged in said casing for collecting the spent motive fluid after its impact with the disk and for further directing said spent m0- tive fluid against said disk for causing an additional impulse thereof, means for regulating the passage of the motive fluid from said collecting means to the disk, and means for reversing the movement of said disk.

12. In a rotary engine of the class set forth, the combination with a casing and drivingdisk mounted therein, of an initial directingorifice for the motive fluid to impact with the said disk forimparting motion thereto, means arranged in said casing for collecting the spent motive fluid after its impact with the disk and for further directing said spent motive fluid against said disk for causing an additional impulse thereof, means for regulating the passage of the motive fluid from said collecting means to the disk, means for reversing the movement of said disk, and a valve mechanism for exhausting the motive fluid. Y

13. In a rotary engine of the class set forth, the combination with a casing and a drivedisk mounted therein, of means for initially directing the motive fluid to impact withthe said disk for imparting movement thereto, means arranged in said casing for collecting the spent motive fluid after its impact with the disk and for further directing said spent motive fluid against said disk for causing an additional impulse thereto, means for regulating the passage of motive fluid from said collecting means to the disk,y a valve mechanism for exhausting the motive fluid from said casing, and means for reversing the movement of said disk, causing thereby the simultaneous reversing of the exhausting valve mechanism.

14. In arotary engine of the class set forth, a drive-disk mounted in a suitable casing,

means for supplying motive fluid to said disk for operating the same, means arranged in the casing for collecting the spent motive fluid after its impact With the disk and for further directing said spent motive fluid against the disk for causing an additional impulse thereof, means for regulating the passage of the motive fluid from said collecting means to the disk a valve mechanism for exhausting the motive fluid from said casing, and means for reversing the supply of motive fluid to the disk causing `a different movement to be imparted thereto and for simultaneously `reversing the exhaust valve mechanism.

15. In a rotary engine,the combination with the casing and a driving-disk arranged therein, of means to permit of a motive fluid impacting with the disk for operating the same, means arranged in said casing for collecting the spent motive fluid, a passage for establishing communication between said collecting means and the disk, and means arranged in said passage for regulating the flow of the spent motive fluid from the collecting means to the disk and to permit of the spent motive fluid impacting with the disk for imparting additional impulses to the disk.

16. In a rotary engine,the combination with the casing and a disk arranged therein, of means for operating the same,means arranged in said casing for collecting and causing the spent motive fluid to impact with the disk for giving additional impulses thereto, means for regulating the impact of the said spent motive fluid, a valve mechanism for exhausting the motive fluid from the casing, and means for reversing the movement of the disk and for simultaneously reversing the exhaust valve mechanism.

17. In a rotary engine,the combination with the casing, of a disk mounted therein and provided vvith perforated vanes, a valve mechanism for admitting motive fluid to impact with the said vanes for operating the disk, means for collecting the spent motive fluid and for causing the same to impact with the vanes obtaining thereby additional impulses for the disk, means for regulating the impacting of the motive fluid to the disk, a valve mechanism for exhausting the motive fluid from the casing, and means for simultaneously operating said inlet and exhaust valve mechanisms causing thereby a reverse operation of the diskA 18. In a rotary engine,the combination with a driving-disk, of a series of vanes arranged in suitable relation thereto and each provided with an opening, the opening of 'each alternate vane arranged out of alinement with the opening of the adjacent vane, and means for directing a motive fluid to act on andexhaust from the said vanes directly and tangentially in the plane of their rotation.

19. In a rotary engine,the combination with a driving-disk, of a series of radially-extend- ICO IOS

IIO

ing Varies formed integral with the disk and In testimony whereof I have signed my each provided with a transversely-extending name to Jhis specification in the presence of 1o opening, the opening of one vane being out l two subscribing Witnesses.

of alinemeut with Ishe openingr of the adjacent Vane, and meansfor directing :L motive iuid VILLIAM ALSOP to ct on and exhaust from the vanes directly Vitnesses:

and tangeutially in the plane of their rota- FRED VALSH,

tion. PERCY NEWELL. 

